My first commute today

[Strick]

Morning all.
Been getting out and about on my bike over the last 6 or 7 weeks, with the aim of commuting 2-3 days a week. Went on holiday for a week and a half and decided that when i returned i would begin.
Completed my first commute this morning. 7.13 miles in 33 minutes, with an average of 12.7mph. Now i know thats not neccessarily going to worry Lance Armstrong, but i havent been on the bike for a couple of weeks and anyway, im happy with it.
Left with plenty of time, usually takes me around 20 mins in the car, so being unsure of how long to change etc when i got here i was (a bit too) over cautious, and ended up at work almost an hour early.
Still, it means ive had time to freshen up, change, have breakfast, and a dabble around the net before the daily grind begins.
Anyway, just feeling a little smug with myself at the moment, so wanted to share.
Have a great day folks.

 

[Moby Jones]

Well done, your commute sounds very similar to mine. I like to get into work nice and early and avoid the rush hour, like you said gives you a chance to get settled before the madness starts

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[SportMonkey]

Well done, you enjoy the ride in too?

 

[Chilternrides]

Strick - your early arrival means you know you can have another half hour in bed in future; good on you, you'll grow to love it (the bike, not the bed!).


Well done and keep at it.

 

[Strick]

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys.
Moby Jones; yes, having that time to chill out is nice.
Sportmokey; I did, its great to take it at a pace where you can take thing in. Little things like the railway bridge I cross every time I use that route, I can see over down on to the line when on my bike. Extra wildlife, everything.
Chilternrides; I already love my bed, and im working on loving my bike.

 

[Strick]

Well I made it home safely too, so thats a bonus. 34 minutes to get home, but I hit just about every red light getting out of town...
In the car today as I need to detour and pick up some shopping on the way home, but plan to be back on 2 wheels a couplr of times next week too, and gradually build up.

 

[cyberknight]

Well done !!

I always allow some extra time just in case i have a puncture of a mechanical so i am not late for work when i need to do a roadside repair.

I then get a similar amount of time when i get to work to chill out and have a cuppa before the daily grind.

 

[koi johson]

Strick- Not only you save time but it keeps you healthy and active. I engoy commuting at my Mongoose Bmx. It makes me happy. As it regulates stress and circulates blood throught our body.

 

[jonny jeez]

Completed my first commute this morning. 7.13 miles in 33 minutes, with an average of 12.7mph.

Congrats and well done that is a seriously good pace. Dont be fooled by the average speed, most likley you were riding nearer 14-16mph (without the stops at lights and traffic to ruin the average)

 

[Strick]

Thanks again for the comments folks.
Commuted in again today. Wasnt originally intending to, but working 4 hours then need to do a few bits in town. So figured I could either drive in, then in to town, then home - pay for parking etc. Or..... cycle in, lock bike in here, walk in to town (less than 10 mins), do what I need to do, walk back here, change and cycle home. Job's a good 'un!
Plus I woke up and looked out of the window and it looked so good out there I just couldnt resist, lol.
Anyway, shaved a couple of minutes off Thursdays time, so even smugger today. Im also learning to cycle with closed mouth.......

 

[Strick]

Took a different route home on Saturday, slightly longer. Be nice to vary it, so thinking in on the "old" route, home on the new route, then probably switch it around again after a while.
In the car today as I had too much stuff to bring in with me, and got to hang around after work before attending a new class I have signed up for. Bought my cleaning kit in with me, thought it would be a good opportunity to give the car a clean while im hanging around after work.
Off work tomorrow, so probably be Thursday before I commute on the bike again.

 

[DrSquirrel]

Left with plenty of time, usually takes me around 20 mins in the car, so being unsure of how long to change etc when i got here i was (a bit too) over cautious, and ended up at work almost an hour early.
Still, it means ive had time to freshen up, change, have breakfast, and a dabble around the net before the daily grind begins.

If your work place allows it - just start as soon as you sit down, and if you are 10 minutes early, leave 10 minutes early - this stops you having to go in much earlier (even more so in a car) to make sure you are in on time every time. 5 minutes late? just wait another 5... etc

 

[Strick]

If your work place allows it - just start as soon as you sit down, and if you are 10 minutes early, leave 10 minutes early - this stops you having to go in much earlier (even more so in a car) to make sure you are in on time every time. 5 minutes late? just wait another 5... etc

Not an option here im afraid. We have "business hours", and while they are happy to have flixibility in you starting earlier and/or finishing later, theres no option to start later or finish earlier. Its all about give and take - we give, they take! Lol.

 

[DrSquirrel]

That isn't flexibility, that is overtime.

I don't see who needs to flexibily needs to start earlier but not leave earlier...



The whole point of business hours (or core hours) is to allow a little flexibility in the first few hours.

So business hours 9 to 4, but regular hours are 8:30 to 5:00 and you can start at 8 and knock off at 4:30 etc

 

[Strick]

Totally agree with you, but as Branch Scapegoat Manager, I get to be here from start of business until the end. I'm that lucky.
And any extra I work isnt paid (so I just dont, lol).

The last job my wife had, had all the flexibility you described. Along with showers, a canteen, etc. That would have been ideal for commuting by bike.

This place has a policy of "If you dont like it... F.O" basically. But I guess the important bit is that i'm still managing to commute by bike sometimes, even if the situation here isnt ideal.

In the meanwhile, the job hunt continues!